How long do results take? Rapid HIV tests can give results in 15 to 60 minutes, or on the same day. ‘Rapid’ refers to the time taken for the results and not to the time between exposure and the test. If samples are being sent to another lab, results can take from a few days or a few weeks. Rapid blood tests put a pin-prick of blood on a testing strip. This test takes about 15 to 20 minutes so you can get the results whilst you wait. Some rapid tests also work on oral samples rather than blood. Although they are sometimes called saliva tests this is not accurate. Oral samples collect cells from the surface of the gums...
How is HIV passed from one person to another?Most people get HIV through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers). But there are powerful tools to help prevent HIV transmission.Learn about your HIV risk and how to lower it.Can I get HIV from anal sex?You can get HIV if you have anal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV).Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or transmitting HIV.Being the receptive partner (bottom) is riskier than being the insertive partner (top).The bottom’s risk is higher because the rectum’s lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the...
CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once.People at higher risk should get tested more often. If you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, the test was more than one year ago, and you can answer yes to any of the following questions, then you should get an HIV test as soon as possible: Are you a man who has had sex with another man?Have you had sex—anal or vaginal—with a partner who has HIV?Have you had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test?Have you injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers) with others?Have you exchanged sex for drugs...
What Is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life. However, by taking HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with HIV can live long and...
